New figures released by VisitBritain have shown strong growth in overseas visits from markets including China, Australia, France and the US.

Based on figures from the first three months of 2017 the record first quarter showed overall visits up by 10 per cent, with spending increasing 16 per cent over the same period in 2016 to £4.4bn.

Visits from China showed a significant increase for the period, up 27 per cent with a record 54,000 visitors.

Visits from the US – the UK’s most valuable overseas tourism market – increased 16 per cent, with 641,000 visitors spending a record £604m during the quarter.

Australian visitors also came in their droves, with a 10 per cent increase on 2016’s figures to 174,000, while neighbouring France also increased its visitation to Britain, with 991,000 visits – up by 9 per cent.

“It is very encouraging to see such strong growth from some of our largest and most valuable markets, including France and the US, as well as markets that are important for our future, such as China,” said VisitBritain director Patricia Yates.

“With forward-bookings for international arrivals tracking ahead for the coming months, we are anticipating a strong summer holiday season as we promote the message of value and welcome globally, showing people why they should book a holiday to Britain right now.”